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Sonoma State University Beer Appreciation Course Info

Craft Beer Appreciation Certificate

Here’s some more information about the class I’ll be teaching at Sonoma State University (well, not at SSU, actually the classes will be taught at the Lagunitas Brewery, which sounds much better, doesn’t it?). There’s more at the official Craft Beer Appreciation Certificate Program page at SSU, and you can also register online. Below is a lot of the same info you’ll find over there, though a little less formal.

The certificate program of Craft Beer Appreciation will provide students with a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the beer industry, and will include the brewing process, the business of beer, and beer appreciation. It will touch on all major aspects of the beer industry, with a special emphasis on the craft beer segment, as well as California state and local opportunities and challenges.

This class is designed to give students a broad understanding and overview of the brewing industry. The 36 hours of class time are divided each week into three one-hour sessions where industry professionals will present to students in their area of expertise and experience. The course is also divided into three tracks, with the first one to discuss the brewing process and the primary ingredients. The second track will cover the business of beer from ground to glass and the many types of businesses necessary for that journey to occur, along with the legal and regulatory structure one must navigate. The third track will enhance the student’s appreciation of beer with sensory analysis, pairing beer with food, and specifically cheese and chocolate, along with at least one in-class tasting per class, usually in the final hour. Most weeks will include one session from each track so there’s always something interesting every week, regardless of your own personal focus.

Throughout the twelve weeks, students will be exposed to many of the most influential and experienced people in the brewing industry and its related fields. In addition to learning their personal stories and their professional trials and tribulations, students will also make valuable contacts to help guide them through the next phase of their careers or simply become more knowledgeable about the modern brewing industry today.

Quotes From Previous Students

Here’s what some of the former students have expressed about their experiences in the class:

David Felte, who’s the president of the SSU Alumni Association said “it was the best professional development class I’ve ever taken.”

Domenica Curran said “thank you for putting on such an amazing course. I drove up after work from San Francisco for every class. It was always difficult to make it up there, but I have to say, the classes were ALWAYS worth the effort. I learned a ton and left each night feeling inspired. THANK YOU!”

Raymond Willmers, who’s worked in the wine industry for over thirty years, told Lagunitas’ director or marketing and sales Ron Lindenbusch that “the folks that Jay has brought together are absolutely incredible. So much information, so much entertainment and best of all, so much respect for one another. WOW! Every classmate that I have interacted with says, “this class has exceeded all my expectations…and I concur!”

SSU Beer Appreciation Class Speaker List

These are the guest speakers who presented to the class last semester. Most of the people on the list will be returning to speak this semester, subject to their schedules and availability. As a result, I expect there will be at least a couple of substitutions made.